“Life Happens:” Homelessness Near You and How You Can Help

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) – It’s been a very cold few nights here in South Georgia and the Lowndes Associated Ministries to People (LAMP) is doing everything it can to keep people off the streets.

When temperatures drop below freezing, the LAMP homeless shelter in Valdosta transforms its day center into a warming refuge.

“We wanted to make sure people still had a place to go. So it’s not just for the homeless, we’re also making it open to the public. We know that people are not getting enough heat in their homes, so the work is open to children and families,” said Yurshema Flanders, executive director of LAMP.

There are often misconceptions when it comes to homelessness. Many people believe that homeless people are the result of laziness or addiction. Flanders tells WALB that homelessness is the result of several factors, which can include mental health issues, economic hardship or domestic disputes. The stigma surrounding this topic can lead to a lack of empathy and desire to help others.

“When we think that people are less than people, we tend to judge them or put them in another category that they shouldn’t belong in because they are still people and just people who need a little more help than others,” Flanders continued.

According to a 2020 report from the Georgia Alliance to End Homelessness, rural areas in Georgia often experience higher rates of homelessness per capita due to a lack of shelter and resources.

“Supporting an organization like LAMP, either by donating a monthly contribution or volunteering your hours to feed someone, makes a huge impact on the life of someone who just needs a little help,” Flanders said.

If you are interested in joining Lowndes Associated Ministries to People, inc. (LAMP) to donate or volunteer, click here.

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